Let’s look at how AI content creation works, and when we would want to use it. Let’s say we’ve done some work creating a calendar of content we want to create for social media. Maybe we have a blog post to write but we’re struggling with the outline. That newsletter is due and we’re staring at a blank screen.
As promised in my previous post How to Build a Content Plan in 5 Easy Steps – let’s dig into AI!
I use two different AI tools – ChatGPT version 3.5 and Google Bard. ChatGPT was my first experience with AI, but I’ve since moved to mostly Google Bard. I feel like Bard gives better answers, but ChatGPT might be a little more friendly. For AI images, you can use Bing’s Image Generator. All of these options are free because I don’t spend money if I don’t have to, and I don’t think you should either.
When you want to prompt AI, you will open a chat with it. It will look like this –
Each new topic you ask it (e.g. social media campaign, blog post about foxes, how do you solve for ‘y’, etc.,) will need a new chat window. This reduces confusion for the AI and you.
Next, you will enter your prompt – the more information you give it, the better information it will provide.
Be very specific with your prompt. Go into the details the AI will need to provide you with the best information. But NEVER give it personal information.
As an example – If I was going to prompt Google Bard to help me plan out the next month of social media content, I might let it know this –
I’m a web designer on the Oregon Coast. I provide web solutions for small businesses. The services I provide are: new website design, website updates, website upgrades, website maintenance, search engine optimization, social media campaigns. I prefer to design in WordPress, but will design in other platforms. I would like to create a social media content plan for the next month. I will post five days per week. My social media goal is to get more engagement and followers so I can help small businesses with their web presence. My content should be three things – 1. friendly 2. valuable 3. with a splash of humor.
Want to see what AI gave me based on that prompt? Here it is!
Social Media Content Plan for your Oregon Coast Web Design Biz:
Platforms: Start with focusing on one or two platforms to master initially. Based on your target audience (small businesses on the Oregon Coast), Facebook and Instagram seem like strong options. Consider adding LinkedIn later for professional networking.
Content Mix:
- Tips & Tricks (2-3 times per week):
- “5 WordPress plugins that will supercharge your website (without breaking the bank!)”
- “Quick SEO boost: 3 easy ways to make your website stand out in local searches.”
- “Mythbusting website design: Do you really need a fancy homepage slider?”
- “Behind the scenes: A day in the life of a web designer on the Oregon Coast.”
- “Local business spotlight: Share a small business with a stunning website & why you love it.”
- Visual Inspiration (1-2 times per week):
- Share beautiful website designs you’ve created (with client permission) along with the story behind the project.
- Post inspiring oceanside photos showcasing the benefits of having a local web presence.
- Create humorous memes or GIFs related to web design struggles (think “WordPress update got me like…”).
- Engagement (1-2 times per week):
- Ask Q&A sessions about website design challenges small businesses face.
- Run polls on preferred website features or design trends.
- Host design contests (e.g., best website logo for a local bakery).
- Share user-generated content of businesses with your web designs.
Friendly & Valuable Voice:
- Address your audience directly with a playful, down-to-earth tone.
- Use emojis and images to break up text and add personality.
- Sprinkle in local references and coastal vibes to connect with your community.
- Share personal anecdotes and insights to build trust and transparency.
Humor Splash:
- Don’t shy away from lighthearted jokes and relatable web design humor.
- Use memes, GIFs, and self-deprecating humor to engage your audience.
- Keep it tasteful and avoid offensive content.
Call to Action:
- Encourage engagement by asking questions, requesting feedback, and running contests.
- Guide users to your website or social media profiles for more information.
- Offer free consultations or valuable resources to convert followers into leads.
Content Calendar:
- Plan your posts in advance using a calendar or scheduling tool.
- Maintain a consistent posting schedule for optimal engagement.
- Track your analytics and adjust your strategy based on audience response.
Bonus Tips:
- Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotion and wider reach.
- Utilize relevant hashtags to improve discoverability.
- Use Instagram Stories and Facebook Live to connect with your audience in real-time.
- Run targeted ads on social media to reach potential clients.
Remember: Consistency and engagement are key! By putting out friendly, valuable, and humorous content, you’ll attract an audience of small businesses in need of your web design skills. Good luck!
The AI will then provide you with a response. If it’s not right, have it revise its answer. It’s not usually going to give you amazing information at first. Keep giving it little prompts and ask it to revise its assumptions. Remember, the more information it has, the better information it gives.
AI content should not be used verbatim. There are trigger phrases that are flashing lights the content was created by AI – it tends to overcomplicate language with a lot of filler words. You can usually sense that something was written by AI – it has a certain voice. It’s a little off.
Things I use AI for –
- Social media content calendar topics
- Short catchy one-liners for websites
- Industry-specific language
- Website code help (I’m real bad at JavaScript)
- Anytime I need to jump-start the old brain
AI Don’ts –
- Don’t use output word-for-word
- Don’t give it any personal information
- Don’t be mean to it – have you ever seen a robot revenge movie?
- Take everything it outputs as fact – double-check
While there is a huge debate out there about AI – and there are some BIG feelings… I find AI so useful for helping me get my creativity moving. I don’t always need it, but it has saved me a ton of time. If I can get a rough outline from AI, I don’t find myself wasting hours stressing over a blank page.
Love it or hate it, it’s now part of our lives. How will you use it to your advantage?
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